Illinois law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical action. Frequent examples of sexual harassment done by employers include making sexual advances, creating an overtly sexual and offensive work environment, and making demands for sexual favors as a condition to promotion.
How does Illinois Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, employers who are located in Dekalb can be required to create and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, procedures for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.
There are also federal and Illinois laws that have created agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Dekalb workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.
How can a Illinois attorney help?
It can be difficult to both investigate and show a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Dekalb can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Illinois has defined.